Debashis Bose quits as CEO of Hakuhodo Percept; to spearhead Arms Crestra
Debashis Bose, CEO, Hakuhodo Percept, has put in his papers.

Debashis Bose, CEO, Hakuhodo Percept, has put in his papers. He, along with Sangeeta Sen who was heading creative as Vice President at Hakuhodo, is partnering with Reet Singh Ahluwalia of Arms Communications to setup a 50:50 joint venture named Arms Crestra. Bose joins in as MD and CEO of the new agency. The pure brand communications agency is single-mindedly focussed on brand strategy and creative development for its clients.
A veteran in advertising and marketing with 25 years of experience, Bose said about his new role, “Our core competence is strategy and creative, and even our name reflects this focus. ‘Crestra’ is a synthesis of creative and strategy. Our differential is media-neutral creative concepts that are expressed across a 360-degree bandwidth of consumer touch points, executed jointly with our integrated marketing communications partners.”
After completing Chemical Engineering followed by a MBA from FMS Delhi, Bose has worked in blue-chip companies like Asian Paints, Modi Olivetti and India Today, before joining advertising as a strategic planner at Ulka. He held senior-level positions at Everest and Interact Vision before joining the Percept Group as CEO of Hakuhodo Percept. He is credited with setting up Hakuhodo Percept from scratch and leading it to success and its current stature for more than seven years.
Sangeeta Sen, who is Executive Director and Chief Creative Officer at Arms Crestra, has more than 16 years of experience as a creative person in advertising. She has worked on brands such as Maruti, Sony and Apple Computer. Sen has worked in agencies like RK Swamy BBDO, FCB Ulka, and the Mudra Group.
Reet Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman, Arms Group, said, “We see great synergies in this partnership and expect Arms Crestra to play a significant role in the group’s growth trajectory. Arms Communications will continue as an independent agency with its own operating philosophy and portfolio of strong Indian clients.” While talking about the difference that Arms Crestra brings to an already cluttered advertising industry, Bose said, “Most of the large advertising networks draw on their relationship management strengths rather than tracking and understanding consumers and searching for that elusive insight that can be the springboard for a brilliant creative idea. Even their creativity is superficial and geared towards winning awards rather than mind share. At Arms Crestra, we leverage our unique branding process ‘Imageneering’ that defines and stays true to the brand’s DNA. And once the creative is conceptualised, we execute it across touch points through our proprietary integrated marketing communications process: ‘Orcrestra’ that delivers more than just ATL communication.”
He added, “We believe that the industry is going through an inflexion point wherein cronyism will be replaced by clients who will demand that their advertising agencies be genuine brand custodians rather than merely crackle and fizz like last year’s Diwali sparkler. An annual brand communications audit of roster agencies by clients is a concept that’s overdue and its time large ad agencies woke up from their siesta.”
Arms Crestra already has a portfolio of clients like Uppal’s Housing, Minda, Blackberrys, Switch Masters and Uppal Vornado, for which it is readying campaigns that will release in the next two months.
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ABP Network appoints Ananta Natha Jha to lead UnCut
He has been roped in as Associate Vice-President of ABP Live
ABP Network has onboarded Ananta Natha Jha as the Associate Vice-President of ABP Live. With a rich experience in handling digital content and an in-depth understanding of video and radio content, he will take charge as the Editor of the UnCut team. Ananta Natha Jha will lead a young team of journalists who put out digital content for Gen-Z and millennials, the network said.
Jha has experience working at several reputable organisations in crucial roles. A well-recognised voice, he has donned various hats being a radio jockey, a news anchor, voiceover artist, producer, programming head, and a talk show host, stated a release.
Ananta Natha Jha will play a key role in reshaping UnCut and rechanneling focus towards the younger generation with a focus on high-quality content, the release stated.
UnCut is a Gen-Z/millennials-focused vertical of ABP Network.
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Network Advertising appoints Rahool Talukdar as Group Creative Director, Digital
Rahool previously worked at Dentsu iProspect
Network Advertising has announced the appointment of Rahool Talukdar as Group Creative Director, Digital. Rahool, previously at Dentsu iProspect, brings over 15 years of rich experience, having worked across both mainline and digital agencies.
Rahool is captivated by the digital medium and the innovative ways in which brands can connect with audiences through new media storytelling. At Network, he shares, "I resonate with the creative freedom provided by an independent venture, where transparency and clear direction foster professional growth. I am thrilled to be a part of their growth story."
During his tenure at Dentsu iProspect, Rahool led a team responsible for award-winning work on a diverse range of accounts, including State Bank of India, Essilor, Fossil Luxury Watches, Biba Apparels, Angel One, Finolex Pipes, Switzerland Tourism, ICICI Direct, and Shaze Luxury, among others.
Akashneel Dasgupta, CCO, Network Advertising, expresses enthusiasm about Rahool's addition to the team, stating, "Rahool will help shape our future as a fully integrated agency. He possesses extensive experience in nurturing young talent and guiding them towards greater accomplishments. We look forward to an exciting future and exceptional work with him on board."
Vinod Nair, Managing Director, Network Advertising, underscores the significance of digital communication for the agency, saying, "Digital Communication is a crucial element in our integrated offering to clients. Under Rahool's creative leadership, I am eager to see him add value to our clients' businesses alongside his dynamic team."
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Times Network digital head Shouneel Charles to quit after 4+ years
Sources have told e4m that Charles is currently serving his notice period
In his previous assignment, Charles was leading the digital business at NDTV Convergence as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer and Chief Revenue Officer. He has also worked with multinational companies like Yahoo, Turner Broadcasting, Star India and National Geographic where he launched multiple channels and media properties.
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CNBC’s Latha Venkatesh to “transition” out of daily anchoring schedule
Venkatesh is taking the ‘break’ from August 1 to plan son’s wedding
Latha Venkatesh, Executive Editor with CNBC-TV18, will be “transitioning” out of the daily anchoring schedule and play much more of a supervisory role.” The arrangement will come into effect on August 1.
Venkatesh will continue to be the Executive Editor, and “only take a break from the daily activities.” She will be taking the break to plan her son’s wedding.
“Latha mam has kept the fire burning for almost two decades. She has brought her heart to work every day. Never once complained about the long hours, the stress, the pressure, because she loves what she does with a passion that is undeniable. As is the case with her, she doesn’t do anything half-heartedly and so as she gets ready to plan a BIG FAT INDIAN WEDDING for her son, she is keen to free up her time and mind space to focus on a wonderful life altering moment,” read an internal communication at CNBC accessed by exchange4media.
“She will continue to do her special shows and come in to do links/interviews etc even on daily shows as necessary and appropriate. But from Aug 1, she will not be anchoring Bazaar as a regular feature or fixing the show etc,” the read the communication.
Sonal Bhutra will take over from Venkatesh.
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OMD India ropes in Udhayakumar Pasupathi to lead Chennai office
Pasupathi has spent the last 9 years at Mindshare where his most recent role was that of cluster lead in Bangalore...
OMD India has onboarded Udhayakumar Pasupathi as new Lead at the company’s Chennai office, reporting to Sulina Menon, Chief Client Officer, OMD India.
“Udhaya is an MBA graduate in marketing and joins with 12 years of diverse and prolific industry experience. He spent the last 9 years at Mindshare where his most recent role was that of cluster lead in Bangalore. Udhay has also worked with Lodestar UM, and has worn multiple hats as a planner, team lead, strategist, and media consultant. His roles have pivoted around providing integrated strategic solutions to brands, including marquee names such as Max Fashion, Lifestyle, Home Centre and Eenadu, among many others,” the agency said.
Commenting on the new appointment, Sulina Menon said, “We’re extremely pleased to have someone like Udhaya, with his experience and expertise, join our Chennai team, and are confident that we will benefit greatly from the insights he brings to the table. I’m especially excited about the growth journey ahead and look forward to collectively pursuing a host of new opportunities.”
Priti Murthy, CEO OMD India welcomed Udhaya Pasupathi on board saying, “All of us at OMD are eagerly looking forward to Udhaya’s fresh new perspectives combined with the rich repertoire of industry knowledge he’s gathered over the years. There are some exciting growth avenues ahead, and we can’t wait to unlock them together.”
Speaking about this new step in his career, Udhaya Pasupathi reflected, “It’s been over a decade of experience, learnings and leadership in the realm of media strategy & planning, and surely there’s no better place to mark 12 years than OMD. With its vast global network and its growth-driven environment, I’m delighted to be in a space where together we quite literally make better decisions, faster!”
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OMD India ropes in Udhayakumar Pasupathi to lead Chennai office
Pasupathi has spent the last 9 years at Mindshare where his most recent role was that of cluster lead in Bangalore
OMD India has onboarded Udhayakumar Pasupathi as new Lead at the company’s Chennai office, reporting to Sulina Menon, Chief Client Officer, OMD India.
“Udhaya is an MBA graduate in marketing and joins with 12 years of diverse and prolific industry experience. He spent the last 9 years at Mindshare where his most recent role was that of cluster lead in Bangalore. Udhay has also worked with Lodestar UM, and has worn multiple hats as a planner, team lead, strategist, and media consultant. His roles have pivoted around providing integrated strategic solutions to brands, including marquee names such as Max Fashion, Lifestyle, Home Centre and Eenadu, among many others,” the agency said.
Commenting on the new appointment, Sulina Menon said, “We’re extremely pleased to have someone like Udhaya, with his experience and expertise, join our Chennai team, and are confident that we will benefit greatly from the insights he brings to the table. I’m especially excited about the growth journey ahead and look forward to collectively pursuing a host of new opportunities.”
Priti Murthy, CEO OMD India welcomed Udhaya Pasupathi on board saying, “All of us at OMD are eagerly looking forward to Udhaya’s fresh new perspectives combined with the rich repertoire of industry knowledge he’s gathered over the years. There are some exciting growth avenues ahead, and we can’t wait to unlock them together.”
Speaking about this new step in his career, Udhaya Pasupathi reflected, “It’s been over a decade of experience, learnings and leadership in the realm of media strategy & planning, and surely there’s no better place to mark 12 years than OMD. With its vast global network and its growth-driven environment, I’m delighted to be in a space where together we quite literally make better decisions, faster!”
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For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Youtube & Whatsapp
OMD India ropes in Udhayakumar Pasupathi to lead Chennai office
Pasupathi has spent the last 9 years at Mindshare where his most recent role was that of cluster lead in Bangalore
OMD India has onboarded Udhayakumar Pasupathi as new Lead at the company’s Chennai office, reporting to Sulina Menon, Chief Client Officer, OMD India.
“Udhaya is an MBA graduate in marketing and joins with 12 years of diverse and prolific industry experience. He spent the last 9 years at Mindshare where his most recent role was that of cluster lead in Bangalore. Udhay has also worked with Lodestar UM, and has worn multiple hats as a planner, team lead, strategist, and media consultant. His roles have pivoted around providing integrated strategic solutions to brands, including marquee names such as Max Fashion, Lifestyle, Home Centre and Eenadu, among many others,” the agency said.
Commenting on the new appointment, Sulina Menon said, “We’re extremely pleased to have someone like Udhaya, with his experience and expertise, join our Chennai team, and are confident that we will benefit greatly from the insights he brings to the table. I’m especially excited about the growth journey ahead and look forward to collectively pursuing a host of new opportunities.”
Priti Murthy, CEO OMD India welcomed Udhaya Pasupathi on board saying, “All of us at OMD are eagerly looking forward to Udhaya’s fresh new perspectives combined with the rich repertoire of industry knowledge he’s gathered over the years. There are some exciting growth avenues ahead, and we can’t wait to unlock them together.”
Speaking about this new step in his career, Udhaya Pasupathi reflected, “It’s been over a decade of experience, learnings and leadership in the realm of media strategy & planning, and surely there’s no better place to mark 12 years than OMD. With its vast global network and its growth-driven environment, I’m delighted to be in a space where together we quite literally make better decisions, faster!”
Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Youtube & Whatsapp